Easy Pizza Cupcakes Muffin Tin

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Enjoy a playful finger food made by pressing crescent dough into muffin tins to form individual crusts. Each cup is layered with a touch of garlic, mozzarella, pizza sauce, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Finish with mini pepperoni slices or other favorite toppings, then bake until golden and bubbly. These bite-sized treats are best served warm and make for a fun snack, appetizer, or kid-friendly meal everyone will love. Customize with mushrooms, sausage, or olives to keep things exciting and crowd-pleasing at any gathering.

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Last modified on Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:07:22 GMT
A plate of pizza cupcakes. Pin it
A plate of pizza cupcakes. | dinabakery.com

Easy Pizza Cupcakes are my secret weapon for last minute parties kid-friendly snacks and speedy weeknight treats. With crescent roll dough as the base gooey cheese and zesty pepperoni these muffin tin pizzas bake up with golden edges and melty middles before you know it.

When I first made these for my daughter’s birthday party they vanished before I sat down and even the grownups were asking for seconds

Ingredients

  • Crescent roll dough: gives a soft buttery crust that bakes quickly look for dough that is fresh and chill it until you are ready to use to keep it easy to handle
  • Non-stick cooking spray: makes sure your mini pizzas do not stick and helps the edges turn crisp
  • Pizza sauce: brings classic tomato flavor choose a thick sauce for best results and to avoid soggy cupcakes
  • Mozzarella cheese: delivers that melty stretchy bite opt for fresh pre-shredded if you want minimal prep
  • Mini pepperoni slices or your favorite toppings: add savory punch mix and match toppings for variety
  • Garlic powder: adds an aromatic kick sprinkle lightly for a subtle yet essential touch
  • Italian seasoning: gives that familiar pizzeria flavor look for a blend with oregano basil and thyme for the best balance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Pan:
Spray eight muffin tin cups generously with non-stick spray to avoid sticking and to make removing the cupcakes easy
Shape the Dough:
Separate crescent dough into eight triangles flatten each piece and press into the muffin tin cups creating a mini crust that comes up the sides
Season and Add Cheese:
Sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder in each dough cup add a small amount of shredded mozzarella on the bottom to start the cheesy layers
Sauce Up:
Spoon one tablespoon of pizza sauce into each cup spreading gently over the cheese to prevent sogginess
Cheese and Toppings:
Top with another layer of mozzarella sprinkle Italian seasoning over the cheese then add mini pepperoni or your chosen toppings arranging evenly
Bake:
Place in the oven for 10 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese melts to a bubbly finish keep an eye so the edges do not overbake
Rest and Remove:
Let the pizza cupcakes sit in the tin for two to three minutes this helps them set remove gently with a spoon or offset spatula
Serve Warm:
Enjoy the cupcakes immediately for the best gooey cheese factor their handheld size makes them perfect for dipping and sharing
A plate of mini pizzas with pepperoni and cheese. Pin it
A plate of mini pizzas with pepperoni and cheese. | dinabakery.com

My favorite part is always the golden crusty edges where the dough crisps up against the muffin tin my nephew once called them pizza muffins and now that name has stuck in our house as a term of endearment

Storage Tips

Let pizza cupcakes cool completely then store in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to revive the crust’s crispiness Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make them soft

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have crescent dough swap in biscuit dough or pizza dough sheets You can go meatless with diced bell peppers or mushrooms for flavor Try dairy-free cheese and plant-based meats for an allergy-friendly version

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm marinara or ranch for dipping Add chopped basil or parsley for freshness These are always a hit alongside a salad for lunch or as a hearty party appetizer

Cultural and Historical Context

Personal pizza variations have been a tradition across America for decades and muffin-tin appetizers became popular for their convenience and fun presentation This twist combines nostalgic pizza night memories with modern-day ease

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works nicely. Just cut and shape small portions to fit the muffin cups.

→ How can I prevent the dough from sticking?

Generously grease the muffin tin with non-stick spray, making sure to coat all sides.

→ Are there other topping ideas besides pepperoni?

Add mushrooms, sausage, olives, peppers, or any favorite pizza additions for variety.

→ Should pizza cupcakes cool before serving?

Let them rest a few minutes after baking for easier removal and to help them hold their shape.

→ Can these be frozen for later?

Yes, cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze. Warm in the oven when ready to enjoy.

Easy Pizza Cupcakes Muffin Style

Cheesy mini pizzas baked in muffin tins, using crescent dough and pepperoni, perfect for snacks or parties.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Total Preparation Time
20 minutes
By: Dina

Featured in: Main Dishes

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Number of Portions: 8 Serving Size (8 pizza cupcakes)

Dietary Options: ~

The Ingredients You'll Need

→ Crust Base

01 1 tube (226 g) refrigerated crescent roll dough
02 Non-stick cooking spray, for greasing

→ Pizza Toppings

03 120 ml pizza sauce
04 60 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
05 30–40 mini pepperoni slices, or preferred toppings

→ Seasonings

06 0.5 g (⅛ teaspoon) garlic powder
07 0.5 g (⅛ teaspoon) Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 190°C. Generously coat eight cups of a standard muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Separate dough into 8 triangles. Flatten each triangle and press gently into a muffin cup, ensuring the dough rises along the sides to create a crust base.

Step 03

Sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder onto each dough-lined cup and add a small portion of shredded mozzarella to the base of each.

Step 04

Distribute approximately 15 ml pizza sauce into each cup, taking care not to overfill to avoid sogginess.

Step 05

Top with additional mozzarella, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and finish with mini pepperoni or selected toppings.

Step 06

Bake for 10 minutes until crust turns golden and cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 07

Let pizzas cool in the tin for 2–3 minutes before gently removing to help maintain structure.

Step 08

Serve immediately while warm and cheese is melted. Enjoy as appetisers, snacks, or a playful meal.

Extra Tips

  1. Avoid excess pizza sauce to prevent a soggy result.
  2. Ensure the muffin tin is sufficiently greased for easy removal.
  3. Allow pizzas to rest before removing from the tin to maintain their shape.
  4. Customize fillings with mushrooms, sausage, olives, or any preferred toppings.

Tools You'll Need

  • Standard 12-cup muffin tin
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • Small spoon

Allergy Information

Check ingredient labels to avoid allergens, and speak to an expert if necessary.
  • Contains wheat, milk, and possibly eggs; check specific ingredients for allergens.

Nutritional Details (per serving)

These figures are for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional if needed.
  • Calorie Count: 155
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 13 grams
  • Proteins: 6 grams